Joe Thompson: Tranmere Rovers midfielder diagnosed with cancer

Tranmere midfielder Joe Thompson has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and will begin chemotherapy.

After feeling ill the 24-year-old underwent tests which confirmed he has contracted nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma.

The Rochdale-born midfielder will begin a six-month course of chemotherapy.

What is nodular sclerosing?

"Nodular sclerosing is the most common of all types of Hodgkin lymphoma in the UK. Nearly six out of 10 of all diagnosed cases are this type and it is the most common type in young adults. It is usually found at an early stage when lymph glands in the neck become enlarged."